BOSTON - A committee of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union leaders representing more than 2,000 men and women working for the City of Boston today voted unanimously to endorse State Representative Martin Walsh's candidacy for Mayor of Boston.

"The more than 2,000 Boston public employees represented by AFSCME want a mayor who will treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve - not only at the negotiating table but every day on the job," said Charles C. Owen, Jr, President of AFSCME Local 804 and co-chair of the AFSCME Boston Presidents Committee.

"After a long and thoughtful process, we are confident that we have found that person in Martin Walsh. With Marty, we know we will have a mayor who will recognize the important contributions we make to our city and our school communities. We know will we have a mayor who may not always agree with us, but will always listen to what we have to say, value our input, and treat us as partners as opposed to adversaries. Most importantly, with Marty we know we will have a mayor who will not try to place an unfair share of our economic problems on the backs of public employees."

"AFSCME Council 93 fully supports the decision of our Boston leaders to endorse Marty Walsh, said Council 93 Executive Director Frank Moroney. "Marty's track record as an elected leader speaks loudly and clearly for itself. He is a champion of the middle-class and a true fighter for the average working person. Unfortunately, these qualities are becoming increasingly rare among our elected leaders. With that in mind, we look forward to working very hard over the next several weeks to mobilize AFSCME members in support of Marty's campaign for mayor."

Headquartered in Boston, AFSCME Council 93 has 11 local unions in Boston. AFSCME members work in a wide-range of departments, including but not limited to public works, police and fire fleet maintenance, code enforcement, health inspection, public health, school cafeterias, engineering, parking enforcement and parks and recreation.